Florida couldn’t have started much better, crushing Florida Atlantic 66-21 in its opener.
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Campbell now visits Gainesville in a game the Gators should control from beginning to end.
For Florida, this is primarily a developmental opportunity. The Gators don’t need style points as much as another clean performance and a chance to build depth before SEC play becomes the focus.
Quarterback Aaron Philo should have opportunities to attack a Campbell defense that simply doesn’t possess Florida’s overall speed. The Gators should establish the run, create favorable down-and-distance situations and avoid forcing throws into coverage. If Florida’s offensive line controls the game as expected, explosive plays will follow naturally.
Defensively, the goal should be eliminating easy possessions. Campbell’s best opportunity is Florida helping it with turnovers, busted assignments or penalties. If the Gators play disciplined football, Campbell will have difficulty sustaining drives.
This is also the type of game in which Florida can evaluate its second and third units. If the Gators build a substantial halftime advantage, younger players should receive meaningful snaps rather than simply appearing for the final few minutes.
Florida’s 66-point opener certainly got attention, but nobody is going to judge the Gators’ season by victories over FAU and Campbell. What matters is whether the offense looks organized, the defense continues improving and Florida emerges healthy.
Campbell may manufacture a touchdown or two, particularly after Florida begins substituting heavily, but there shouldn’t be much suspense.
The Gators move to 2-0 comfortably and turn their attention toward the more difficult portion of the schedule.
Prediction: Florida 49, Campbell 10
